Thoracic spinous process nonunion as an unusual cause of back pain: a case report and review of the literature.

Gilles Dietrich, Raphaël Richard, Alain Akiki, Sebastien Levy, Benoit Maeder

Journal: Journal of medical case reports 2024;18(1):11

PMID: 38167123

Free Full Text on BioMed Central View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Purely isolated spinous processes fractures are rare and are usually treated conservatively, although a few authors have reported cases of nonunion that ultimately required surgical resection.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case of an isolated T6 spinous process pseudoarthrosis that was treated by surgical resection of the tip of the spinous process. A 34-year-old Caucasian male patient was complaining of mid-thoracic back pain without neurologic impairment more than 2 years after an isolated spinous process fracture. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) revealed a nonunion. We performed a resection without further complication.

CONCLUSION

Although spinous process nonunions may in some cases be well tolerated, surgical resection appears to be a reliable option in case of persistent symptoms. This illustrated case shows the description of an isolated thoracic spinous process nonunion and its surgical treatment.

Address: Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. [email protected].; Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Riviera-Chablais Hospital, Rennaz, Switzerland. [email protected].; Radiology Department, Riviera-Chablais Hospital, Rennaz, Switzerland.; Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology Department, Riviera-Chablais Hospital, Rennaz, Switzerland.

DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-04109-3

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https://medlineplus.gov/spineinjuriesanddisorders....

MeSH Terms: Humans, Male, Adult, Spinal Fractures, Back Pain, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Thoracic Vertebrae